Meet Our Administration
Click on the photo to access contact information.
A Message from the Superintendent
William Watson
As we begin the 2026–2027 school year, I could not be more excited about the opportunities ahead for our students, staff, and community. Every year at Utica Shale Academy represents another chance to change lives, and this year promises to be one of our most transformative yet.
One of the initiatives I am most excited about is our growing partnership with Youngstown State University, NC3 (National Coalition of Certification Centers), ONEi, and our industry partners. Together, we are creating seamless pathways that allow students to earn nationally recognized industry credentials while building toward a college education. Through our collaboration with NC3 and Youngstown State University, students will have the opportunity to earn certifications that articulate directly into a Youngstown State University Associate Degree in Welding, providing them with an incredible head start on both college and their careers.
We are equally excited about our partnership with Youngstown State University and ONEi to support the growing orphan well plugging and remediation industry. As this initiative continues to expand throughout Ohio and Appalachia, our students will have the opportunity to gain valuable hands-on experience while earning credentials that can articulate toward Youngstown State University’s Oil and Gas Worker Certificate. This partnership exemplifies our commitment to preparing students for the workforce while creating opportunities for continued education. Our goal is simple: every graduate should leave Utica Shale Academy ready to enter a high-demand career, while also having the opportunity to continue their education at Youngstown State University should they choose that path.
Youngstown State University continues to demonstrate tremendous leadership in career readiness and workforce development, and we are proud to partner with an institution that shares our belief that education should be directly connected to meaningful employment and lifelong learning.
We are also excited to expand our Career Technical Education offerings by introducing Tire Industry Association (TIA) certifications in tire changing, wheel balancing, and related automotive service skills. These nationally recognized credentials provide students with another pathway into high-demand careers and further strengthen our commitment to hands-on, industry-driven education.
This expansion was made possible through Building Hope’s nationally competitive Future Forward grant, for which Utica Shale Academy was honored to be selected as one of only five recipients across the United States. Through this funding, we will continue expanding and improving our transportation fleet, allowing us to safely transport more students directly from their homes to school while ensuring they arrive on time and ready to learn. Reliable transportation removes barriers to attendance, and every improvement we make helps create better opportunities for student success.
At Utica Shale Academy, we believe education extends far beyond the classroom. It is about creating pathways to meaningful careers, removing obstacles that prevent students from succeeding, and providing hope for a brighter future. Every partnership we establish, every certification we offer, and every investment we make is centered on one goal: improving the lives of our students.
The future of Utica Shale Academy has never been brighter. More importantly, neither has the future of the young people we are privileged to serve. I look forward to another incredible year of growth, innovation, and changing lives together.
One of the initiatives I am most excited about is our growing partnership with Youngstown State University, NC3 (National Coalition of Certification Centers), ONEi, and our industry partners. Together, we are creating seamless pathways that allow students to earn nationally recognized industry credentials while building toward a college education. Through our collaboration with NC3 and Youngstown State University, students will have the opportunity to earn certifications that articulate directly into a Youngstown State University Associate Degree in Welding, providing them with an incredible head start on both college and their careers.
We are equally excited about our partnership with Youngstown State University and ONEi to support the growing orphan well plugging and remediation industry. As this initiative continues to expand throughout Ohio and Appalachia, our students will have the opportunity to gain valuable hands-on experience while earning credentials that can articulate toward Youngstown State University’s Oil and Gas Worker Certificate. This partnership exemplifies our commitment to preparing students for the workforce while creating opportunities for continued education. Our goal is simple: every graduate should leave Utica Shale Academy ready to enter a high-demand career, while also having the opportunity to continue their education at Youngstown State University should they choose that path.
Youngstown State University continues to demonstrate tremendous leadership in career readiness and workforce development, and we are proud to partner with an institution that shares our belief that education should be directly connected to meaningful employment and lifelong learning.
We are also excited to expand our Career Technical Education offerings by introducing Tire Industry Association (TIA) certifications in tire changing, wheel balancing, and related automotive service skills. These nationally recognized credentials provide students with another pathway into high-demand careers and further strengthen our commitment to hands-on, industry-driven education.
This expansion was made possible through Building Hope’s nationally competitive Future Forward grant, for which Utica Shale Academy was honored to be selected as one of only five recipients across the United States. Through this funding, we will continue expanding and improving our transportation fleet, allowing us to safely transport more students directly from their homes to school while ensuring they arrive on time and ready to learn. Reliable transportation removes barriers to attendance, and every improvement we make helps create better opportunities for student success.
At Utica Shale Academy, we believe education extends far beyond the classroom. It is about creating pathways to meaningful careers, removing obstacles that prevent students from succeeding, and providing hope for a brighter future. Every partnership we establish, every certification we offer, and every investment we make is centered on one goal: improving the lives of our students.
The future of Utica Shale Academy has never been brighter. More importantly, neither has the future of the young people we are privileged to serve. I look forward to another incredible year of growth, innovation, and changing lives together.
A Message from the Assistant Superintendent
Laura Krulik
Dear Utica Shale Academy Students and Families,
Welcome to the 2026–2027 school year at Utica Shale Academy. A new school year brings new opportunities to learn, grow, and move closer to achieving our goals. I am excited about what lies ahead for our students and the continued growth of our school.
At Utica Shale Academy, we believe every student deserves the opportunity to succeed. Whether a student is seeking a fresh start, credit recovery, career training, or a supportive learning environment, our mission is to help them discover their potential and prepare for a successful future.
This year, we are especially excited about the continued expansion of our academic and career technical programming. These opportunities allow students to gain valuable skills, explore career pathways, earn industry-recognized credentials, and connect their education to real-world experiences. As our programs continue to grow, so do the possibilities available to our students.
While academic achievement remains a priority, we are equally committed to helping students grow in responsibility, accountability, and character. Learning to set goals, make positive choices, and take ownership of one's future are skills that will benefit students long after graduation. We look forward to watching our students develop not only as learners, but as confident and responsible young adults.
One of the things that makes Utica Shale Academy unique is our belief in second chances. We know that challenges and setbacks do not define a person's future. Every day, we see students overcome obstacles, build confidence, and achieve goals they once thought were out of reach. Those successes inspire our work and reinforce our commitment to providing a supportive environment where every student can thrive.
Thank you to our families, staff, and community partners for your continued support. Together, we will make the 2026–2027 school year one of growth, opportunity, and achievement.
Best wishes for a successful school year!
Welcome to the 2026–2027 school year at Utica Shale Academy. A new school year brings new opportunities to learn, grow, and move closer to achieving our goals. I am excited about what lies ahead for our students and the continued growth of our school.
At Utica Shale Academy, we believe every student deserves the opportunity to succeed. Whether a student is seeking a fresh start, credit recovery, career training, or a supportive learning environment, our mission is to help them discover their potential and prepare for a successful future.
This year, we are especially excited about the continued expansion of our academic and career technical programming. These opportunities allow students to gain valuable skills, explore career pathways, earn industry-recognized credentials, and connect their education to real-world experiences. As our programs continue to grow, so do the possibilities available to our students.
While academic achievement remains a priority, we are equally committed to helping students grow in responsibility, accountability, and character. Learning to set goals, make positive choices, and take ownership of one's future are skills that will benefit students long after graduation. We look forward to watching our students develop not only as learners, but as confident and responsible young adults.
One of the things that makes Utica Shale Academy unique is our belief in second chances. We know that challenges and setbacks do not define a person's future. Every day, we see students overcome obstacles, build confidence, and achieve goals they once thought were out of reach. Those successes inspire our work and reinforce our commitment to providing a supportive environment where every student can thrive.
Thank you to our families, staff, and community partners for your continued support. Together, we will make the 2026–2027 school year one of growth, opportunity, and achievement.
Best wishes for a successful school year!
A Message from the Dean of Students
Carter Hill
Dear USA Families,
Welcome to a new school year at Utica Shale Academy! I am excited for the opportunities that lie ahead and look forward to seeing our students continue to grow and succeed. Every year brings new challenges, new experiences, and countless opportunities for students to develop both academically and personally.
At Utica Shale Academy, we are committed to preparing students for success beyond graduation. I am especially excited to watch our students grow in the classroom, build valuable skills in our labs and career-technical programs, and mature as young professionals entering the workforce. Our goal is to help every student become not only a skilled worker, but also a responsible, respectful, and productive member of their community.
One area of focus this year will be improving student attendance. Consistent attendance is one of the most important factors in student success, both in school and in future careers. Employers value reliability and dependability, and those habits begin by showing up each day ready to learn and participate. We encourage students and families to make attendance a priority so that every student can take full advantage of the opportunities available at Utica Shale Academy.
I believe that strong relationships, accountability, and a positive school culture are essential to student success. I encourage all students to take advantage of the opportunities available to them, work hard, support one another, and take pride in their accomplishments. Together, we can make this school year a rewarding and successful experience for everyone.
I look forward to celebrating the achievements and growth of our students throughout the year.
Welcome to a new school year at Utica Shale Academy! I am excited for the opportunities that lie ahead and look forward to seeing our students continue to grow and succeed. Every year brings new challenges, new experiences, and countless opportunities for students to develop both academically and personally.
At Utica Shale Academy, we are committed to preparing students for success beyond graduation. I am especially excited to watch our students grow in the classroom, build valuable skills in our labs and career-technical programs, and mature as young professionals entering the workforce. Our goal is to help every student become not only a skilled worker, but also a responsible, respectful, and productive member of their community.
One area of focus this year will be improving student attendance. Consistent attendance is one of the most important factors in student success, both in school and in future careers. Employers value reliability and dependability, and those habits begin by showing up each day ready to learn and participate. We encourage students and families to make attendance a priority so that every student can take full advantage of the opportunities available at Utica Shale Academy.
I believe that strong relationships, accountability, and a positive school culture are essential to student success. I encourage all students to take advantage of the opportunities available to them, work hard, support one another, and take pride in their accomplishments. Together, we can make this school year a rewarding and successful experience for everyone.
I look forward to celebrating the achievements and growth of our students throughout the year.
A Message from the Community Health Supervisor
Jocelyn Reed
Dear USA Families,
As we kick off the 2026–2027 school year, I want to share a quick update on how the Community Health Worker team is here to support you and your students. At Utica Shale Academy, we know that when families are doing well, students are in a better place to learn, grow, and succeed.
Our team is here to help connect families with resources like housing support, food assistance, and mental health services. We also continue to offer support through our on-site resource bank, which provides items like diapers, period products, hygiene supplies, and other everyday essentials when they’re needed.
This year, one of our main goals is to improve how quickly families can access support when challenges come up. We also want to continue growing our community partnerships so we can offer even more resources and support options for our students and families.
Most importantly, we want families to know we’re here for you. Whether you need help finding resources, navigating a situation, or just someone to talk to, our team is always ready to help however we can.
Looking forward to another great year, full of growth, support, and success for our students and families!
As we kick off the 2026–2027 school year, I want to share a quick update on how the Community Health Worker team is here to support you and your students. At Utica Shale Academy, we know that when families are doing well, students are in a better place to learn, grow, and succeed.
Our team is here to help connect families with resources like housing support, food assistance, and mental health services. We also continue to offer support through our on-site resource bank, which provides items like diapers, period products, hygiene supplies, and other everyday essentials when they’re needed.
This year, one of our main goals is to improve how quickly families can access support when challenges come up. We also want to continue growing our community partnerships so we can offer even more resources and support options for our students and families.
Most importantly, we want families to know we’re here for you. Whether you need help finding resources, navigating a situation, or just someone to talk to, our team is always ready to help however we can.
Looking forward to another great year, full of growth, support, and success for our students and families!
Meet Our Staff
Click on the photo to access contact information.
Academic Educators
Ashley Canann, Transition Specialist
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Mariah Hart, ELA
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Jessie Mahan, IXL Tutor
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Michael Skrinjar, Math
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George Whittaker, Senior Tutor
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Community Health Workers
Logan Krulik, Lab Tutor
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Skyler Lasure, ETC Tutor
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Elizabeth McKinnon, Academic Tutor
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Kayla Terdina, Academic Tutor
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Career & Technical Instructors
Dennis Bowers, Industrial Maintenance
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Matt Gates, Welding
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Nick Woods, Credentials
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John Wright, Heavy Equipment
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